Reassurance over the future of Heywood Cemetery

Councillor Peter Rush

Councillor Peter Rush and Cabinet member for Environment Wera Hobhouse have been quick to reply to a recent investigation that revealed Heywood Cemetery was likely to by full by the end of the year. Both Councillor Rush and Councillor Hobhouse have confirmed that the situation is being looked at as a matter of urgency and the Council are currently in negotiations over identifying a usable plot of land.

Councillor for Heywood North, Peter Rush said: “When I was made aware of the situation at Heywood Cemetery I was appalled at the thought that the people of Heywood would have to bury their loved ones elsewhere. I have spoken to my colleague and Council leader Alan Taylor about this situation and he has assured me that the problem is well on its way to being resolved. A plot of land has already been identified and I have been assured that the money has been set aside. This new plot of land will allow for 8,000 places, which is the equivalent of 36 years use at the current rate of death in our area. I look forward to discussing this matter further at informal cabinet on Thursday.”

Cabinet member for the Environment Wera Hobhouse said, “We have identified a plot of land but there is still a lot of work to be done. Once we have secured the land we will have to carry out a site inspection to make sure that the soil is suitable for use and to check the height of the water table. We will know more after this Thursday’s informal cabinet meeting but I can assure the residents of Heywood that this is a priority for our Cabinet.”

Father Paul Daly, Parish Priest of St Joseph's, Heywood said: "I am pleased that Councillor Wera Hobhouse and Councillor Rush are treating the question of the cemetery as a matter of urgency. I look forward to clarification that the Heywood New Cemetery will actually be in Heywood and, even more importantly, will be consecrated and ready for use by the end of 2008 so that we avoid any situation in which Heywood Old Cemetery is unable to receive new graves and Heywood New Cemetery is still not prepared."